20 Notable Nigerian Artistes For 2013

2013 has really been a big year for Nigeria music industry, though with high and low moments. Quite a  number of artistes lived up to expectation while some did not. New stars were discovered and hits recorded.

Below is a list of notable Nigerian  artistes who made marks in 2013 both locally and internationally in no particular order:

1.       WIZKID  : It is no doubt that Star boy, Wizkid has his best year ever in 2013, dropping hits after hits. With songs like Jaiye Jaiye, On Top Your Matter, Drop which features Wale, Caro alongside Lax and many others, he proved to us that he simply can't go wrong when  it comes to keeping us busy with good music.

2.      IYANYA  : He took his fantastic run in 2012 a step further with the release of his debut album “Iyanya Vs Desire”. Which features many great songs. 2013 saw Iyanya headlining major events in Nigeria accompanied with sold out concerts outside the shores of Nigeria. The year also saw Iyanya signed some mouth-watering endorsement deals.

3.       D'BANJ  : In 2013, D'banj proved to us that he is not done yet with the relaese of his “DKM” album which features some great songs. Though the album cannot be adjudged a commercial success, the Koko master still held it down strongly in the year. He wrote the AFCON 2013 theme song  “Top Of The World” which he performed at the closing ceremony of the tournament. In 2013, D'banj was  one of the most sought after entertainers in Nigeria which made him headlined major shows across the country and beyond.

4.       TUFACE IDIBIA  : Tuface Idibia also had an impressive year. Although he was kind of silent during the year maybe because of his marriage. He didn’t really put out much work this year apart from the Remix of “Dance Floor” which  features Cabo Snoop and Sarkodie  as well as Rainbow Remix which features T-Pain and a couple of videos.

Tubaba  did not let his fans down as he still delivered in all songs he featured on. His song “Ihe Neme” got an award at the just concluded HEADIES.

5.       KCEE   : Definitely a very big year for Kcee as he had the biggest song for the year 2013, “Limpopo”. 2013 saw Kcee signed mouth-watering endorsement deal with telecoms giant MTN. Kcee dropped his solo debut album this year and graced all the big stages in 2013 and even performed at the channel O Music awards.

6.       BURNA BOY  : Oluwa Burna also had an impressive year.  As he also proved he can hardly go wrong when it comes to making good music. In 2013 he released his debut album which in my own opinion was up to standard. He signed an endorsement deal with Glo, featured on so may songs and was one of the most sought after new artistes. Burna boy also graced the stage of the Channel O Music award.

7.       TIWA SAVAGE  : Mavin Records First Lady, Tiwa Savage was definitely the most sought after Nigerian female artiste in 2013 with the release of her debut, "Once Upon a Time" with the monster hit “Eminado” featuring Don Jazzy.

8.       SEAN TIZZLE  : The Difference Entertainment artiste, Sean Tizzle had an impressive year. His debut single “Sho Lee’' became an instant hit. Sean Tizzle further proved to us that he is not a one hit wonder as he churned out other great songs like “Mama Eh” , “Boogie Down” and “Komole”. He won the 'Next Rated' award at the HEADIES 2013.

9.       FEMI KUTI : The King of Afro beat achieved another milestone this year as he got another Grammy Nomination for his new album.

10.   ICE PRINCE  : 2013 saw Ice Prince released his sophomore album “Fire Of Zamani” which boasts of collaborations with international superstars French Montana and Chip. Ice Prince was arguably the biggest Choc Boy of the year.

11.   OLAMIDE : In 2013, Olamide further confirmed his street credibility with the release of various street anthems which caught the attention of his fans. He was also featured by almost all the 'who is who' in the music industry. He was the biggest winner at he HEADIES 2013, winning three awards.

12.   FLAVOUR  : This man from the Coal city proved to us again that he has the magic wand when it comes to making good music. He blessed us with so many great songs including “Ada Ada” which instantly became an official wedding song of the year. Also in 2013, Flavour grabbed an endorsement deal with telecoms giant Glo. He also had sold out concerts outside the shores of Nigeria.

13.   DAVIDO  : In 2013, Davido showed us how fast he has matured musically. He took his music outside the shores of Nigeria. He won the Best R&B/Pop Album at the HEADIES this year.

14.   TIMAYA  : Timaya has been consistent since he debuted in 2007. He has released hits upon hits . In 2013, the Port Harcourt born artiste dropped a couple of  club banging songs such as “Ukwu” and "Ekoloma Demba" both which have fantastic videos.

15.   JAYWON  : Though released in late 2012, This Year "Odun Yi" by Kennis Music No 1 artiste, Jaywon grew in 2013 to become one the biggest songs of the year which made every one realize that this dude is not an artiste to be underestimated. Overall Jaywon had an impressive year, rounding up the year with the Best Recording of the Year award at the HEADIES .

16.   WANDE COAL : Despite his controversial departure from Mavins Records, The Black Diamond still remained relevant in 2013. Wande Coal churned out great songs like “The Kick” featuring Don Jazzy, “Rotate”, the controversial "Baby Face" and many more.

17.   PHYNO: Undoubtedly one of the most sought after new artiste, Phyno stamped his authority in the Naija music scene in 2013 showing us he really means business and he is here to stay. With lots of collaborations to his credit this year , performance at major events and 2 awards at the HEADIES, Let it be known Phyno was indeed the "Man of the Year".

18.   M.I  : Though a little laid back this year probably because of his new role at chocolate city and setting up his own label, the Chairman, M.I still proved relevant in 2013.

19.   WAJE  : 2013 saw Waje released her hotly anticipated album. This lady was quite impressive and relevant this year. With the signing of an endorsement deal with GLO and winning the Best Reggae/Dance hall song at the HEADIES this year, Waje did well and deserves to be on this list.

 20 .   BANKY W : Our very own Mr. Capable was also outstanding in the year 2013. With the release of his “R&BW” sophomore album which didn’t fall short of expectation, Banky W really did well this year, clinching an award at the Channel O Music Awards and also an award at the HEADIES. Towards the end of the year the E.M.E boss dropped a monster hit  “Jasi” strong enough to be one of the biggest songs for 2014. The song “Jasi” was also accompanied with a simple but on-point video. Once again kudos to Masterkraft  for that monster beat for “Jasi”

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